Music Production Forum

About a year ago, Stylophone surprised everyone when they announced the CPM DS-2 – an analog drone synth and the manufacturer’s first instrument without a stylus. Now, things finally appear to be moving ahead. You can now order the CPM DS-2 from Thomann! If you’ve pre-ordered the CPM DS-2 from the manufacturer, you may already have received a message that your unit is about to ship. And starting today, you can also order the drone synth from Thomann* for $232 / £228 / €269. The post Stylophone CPM DS-2 Drone Synth Is Shipping appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Behringer STEPS is the next module “heavily inspired” by a Mutable Instrument design. As a Stages clone, STEPS is a versatile six-stage function generator that lends itself to a wide variety of modulation tasks. It’s only been a few weeks since Behringer announced SWORDS, a clone of MI Blades. And the series continues: STEPS is a carbon copy of Stages, a hugely flexible modulation module that can be a multi-stage envelope, complex LFO, sequencer, or anything in between. Depending on how you patch the gate inputs, the six segments can be grouped into complex shapes. You can use all six stages individually, or combine them to build multi-stage envelopes or sequenc…

Korg multi/poly native puts the multi/poly hardware synth inside your DAW. Didn’t see this one coming! Or at least not this quickly. On the same day that Korg has released the multi/poly module, the company has gone and made the Korg multi/poly native available as a plugin for your DAW. And it’s fully compatible with the classic Mono/Poly-inspired hardware... The post Korg multi/poly native: Korg’s Excellent Virtual Analog Hardware Synth Now in Your Computer appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Ahead of the 2025 NAMM Show, Korg has introduced the multi/poly module, a new version of the multi/poly that can be used as a desktop or rackmount synth.… Read More Korg mono/poly Module Debuting At 2025 NAMM ShowView the full article

KORG KRONOS returns, a collective sigh of relief is emitted from its fanbase and we have another killer workstation to enjoy! It’s Been a Long Wait For some time now, KORG KRONOS fans have been crying out for a new version of the flagship workstation. Every time KORG made an announcement in recent years, it was pre-empted by a sharp intake of breath, followed shortly after by a loud groan as the third iteration of the KRONOS failed to appear yet again. Not this time, though. It’s huge, it’s here, and it’s coming to a music store near you very soon! KORG can easily lay claim to being the originators of the keyboard workstation, way back with the legendary M1.…

KORG announce the KORG miniKORG 700Sm, a mini version of the classic “mini” but with all the spec. The KORG miniKORG 700s holds a very dear place in my heart. It was the first proper synthesizer I actually spent time with. I’d recently changed high school and I immediately visited the music department to check out their drum kit, being the drummer that I am. The post KORG miniKORG 700Sm – KORG’s Definitive Monosynth becomes Diminutive appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article KORG miniKORG 700Sm · Source: KORG

Overloud is giving away free licenses for the TH-U Essentials guitar amp sim (normally $89) until January 20, 2025. TH-U Essentials is a release for macOS (VST, AU, AAX, standalone) and Windows (VST, AAX, standalone). Overloud is giving away 1000 TH-U Essentials licenses daily from January 14 to January 20. TH-U Essentials is a guitar sim [...] View post: Overloud TH-U Essentials Guitar Amp Sim is FREE until January 20 View the full article

This week, we have presets that work on both the hardware or software versions of two great synths. Everyone’s a winner! Nowadays, we live in a world where one can have the tactility of a hardware synth as well as the convenience of an exact software replica. Whether we prefer hardware or software, we can have the best of both worlds. So, we kick off this week’s column with two packs that cater for two fantastic synths that have their feet in both worlds... The post Hardware or Software? Why Not Both? – Sounds and Presets appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

XILS-lab has introduced The Eighty, a new software synthesizer, based on the Yamaha CS-80, that they describe as a virtual Vangelis soundalike homage."… Read More XILS-lab Intros The Eighty, A ‘Virtual Vangelis Soundalike Homage’View the full article

In this week’s edition of Software Deals, you can score some big discounts on Brainworx, IK Multimedia, Cherry Audio, Plugin Alliance, and more. Save on plugins, software synths, and bundles! ... The post Software Deals: Big Discounts on Brainworx, IK Multimedia, Cherry Audio & More appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Behringer today introduced Steps, a clone of the Mutable Instruments Stages Eurorack module.… Read More Behringer Intros Steps Eurorack Module, Their Latest Mutable Instruments CloneView the full article

The Reloop Keypad Pro is a compact portable DAW controller for beatmakers with a complete production control set and a 25-key mini keyboard. With the KeyPad Pro, you get plug-and-play Bitwig Studio integration so you can immediately take control of the popular DAW with its diverse sound library and range of creative software instruments and effects... The post Reloop Keypad Pro: Compact and Complete Bitwig Integration appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Until January 23rd, you can grab IK Multimedia’s T-RackS One exclusively on VSTBuzz for $29. This plugin regularly sells for $99, so this deal is a 70% discount. Months ago, we covered the VSTBuzz Closing Down Sale. However, the website was later re-launched with new owners and new deals. T-RackS One is designed to make [...] View post: Get IK Multimedia’s T-RackS Mastering Processor for $29 View the full article

Xils Lab The Eighty is a detailed plugin recreation of the legendary Yamaha CS-80 analogue polyphonic synthesizer of the late 1970s. First introduced in 1977, the Yamaha CS-80 is a massive 8-voice keyboard with two timbre layers. This now iconic synth was made famous by the Greek artist and composer Vangelis, who used it in his Blade Runner and Chariots Of Fire film scores. Although it was soon overshadowed by offerings from Sequential Circuits and Oberheim, the CS-80 provided players with a great degree of expressive control. This was partly due to its pressure-sensitive keyboard and ribbon controller that allowed polyphonic pitch bends... The post Is Xils…

Olydian Musical Instruments shared this sneak preview of their upcoming Photosynthesis solar-powered synthesizer, sequencer, and drum machine.… Read More Olydian Musical Instruments Photosynthesis Solar-Powered SynthesizerView the full article

Italian synth maker Jolin has introduced ROSA, a multi-mode crossfader, scanner, and switcher module for Eurorack modular systems.… Read More Jolin Intros ROSA Multi-Mode Crossfader, Scanner & Switcher Module For Eurorack SystemsView the full article

According to Google Translate, 'Confundo Funkitus' translates into "I confuse the Funkids".… Read More Noise Engineering Releases Confundo Funkidos Probabilistic Rhythm Crossfader For Eurorack SystemsView the full article

The Panasonic Do-Re-Mi is a very limited instrument, but it also has a sound that's very evocative of its time.… Read More The Panasonic Do-Re-Mi, A Forgotten Record Player Keyboard From 1977 View the full article

We check out some of the best Roland Jupiter-8 plugins and cover some tips on authentically recreating the classic polysynth in the box. If you’re into synthesizers, then undoubtedly you’ll have heard the Roland Jupiter 8. Without a doubt one of the most famous polysynths of all time, the Jupiter-8 was Japan’s answer to the American Sequential Circuits Prophet 5. Released back in 1981, it was Roland’s first-ever high-end analogue synth keyboard. Its architecture and the glistening texture of the sound produced make it an incredibly unique and versatile instrument... The post How To Use Roland Jupiter-8 Plugins in your DAW appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full arti…

The Behringer MS-1 MKII is back in stock. Many have been waiting for the second edition of the SH-101 replica – now it’s here! The post Behringer MS-1 MKII: New Edition of the SH-101 Clones Back in Stock! appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

Here's a hands-on look at how to program the classic Yamaha CS-80 synthesizer. … Read More How To Program A Yamaha CS-80 SynthesizerView the full article

The Yamaha SEQTRAK Mobile Music Ideastation is a groundbreaking portable music production device, designed to meet the needs of modern musicians, producers, and composers. It combines the best of Yamaha’s sound design technology, advanced sequencing, and sampling capabilities into one mobile, compact form factor that fits in a backpack or gig bag. Whether you’re composing on the go, remixing tracks at a gig, or performing live, the SEQTRAK offers an all-in-one music production solution without compromising on quality or versatility. This in-depth review will cover everything you need to know about the Yamaha SEQTRAK Mobile Music Ideastation, from its core features an…

Glitchmachines has introduced Skein, an FM synthesizer that they say is "focused on experimental sound design and electronic music production. "… Read More Glitchmachines Skein Offers ‘Unconventional’ Take On FM SynthesisView the full article

Who doesn’t love a Pultec EQ? However, not everyone has the budget for that particular hardware classic. If you’re light on cash after Christmas, Analog Obsession’s free Poortec is the EQ for you! On Friday, the indie dev launched the new Poortec EQ for macOS (VST3, AU, AAX) and Windows (VST3, AAX). The Poortec is [...] View post: Instead of Spending Big on a Pultec EQ, Try Analog Obsession’s FREE Poortec! View the full article

The 2025 NAMM Show - the annual trade show of The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) - is scheduled for January 21–25 in Anaheim, California.… Read More 2025 NAMM Show Coming January 21–25View the full article

From @synthandsoftware - PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT As the devastation unfolds from the wildfires in Los Angeles, the Recording Academy® and MusiCares® have launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort to support music professionals impacted by the crisis, and made a combined pledge of $1 million to kick off the efforts. “The entire GRAMMY® family is shocked and deeply saddened by the situation […] The post Recording Academy And MusiCares Pledge $1 Million To Support Music Professionals Impacted By Los Angeles Fires appeared first on Synth and Software. View the full article

Not every drum track needs to be from a classic TR emulation. When it’s time to go boldly into the future, reach for one of these drum machine plugins pushing the envelope... The post 7 Drum Machine Plugins Pushing the Envelope appeared first on gearnews.com. View the full article

The new Nord Organ 3 picks up where the C2D left off and presents itself with improved organ models, new effects, a redesigned panel, and many other improvements. Nord Keyboards will officially unveil the Nord Organ 3 at NAMM 2025. You can already order it today! Ever since the Nord C2D was discontinued in 2020, the Nord Electro or Nord Stage series were your only options to get your hands on Nord’s famous organ emulation. For four years, a proper combo organ was missing from Nord’s lineup. That’s about to change: At NAMM 2025, the Swedish manufacturer is set to unveil the all-new Nord Organ 3... The post Nord Organ 3: The Red Organ Is Back! appeared first on…

Podcaster and sound designer Ian Dixon has released another in his series of free sound libraries for the Korg modWave synthesizer, 'The Organ Collection'.… Read More Free Sound Library For The Korg modWave SynthesizerView the full article

Deep House, a subgenre of house music known for its complex melodies, lush basslines, and an emphasis on atmosphere, has been a staple in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene since the late 1980s. With its smoother, more contemplative approach to dance music, Deep House offers a soulful alternative to the high-energy tracks typically found at clubs. This blog post explores the characteristics, history, and appeal of Deep House within the EDM community. View the full article